Harry Styles is Bravely Attempting to Grow a Beard

Harry Styles has so many things going for him—wealth, fame, an English accent, an endless supply of Chelsea boots, Alessandro Michele on speed dial—but having a face that grows hair on it is not one of them. The 23-year-old pop star has copped to this grooming weakness in interviews before. Here he is in May of last year on The Late Late Show with James Corden joking that he's been growing out his meager stubble for his entire life, after Corden called attention to his "baby olive" skin.

And yet, despite his handicap, Styles appears to making a go of it. Last night in NYC he was photographed leaving a restaurant with Corden, sporting a decent amount of scruff. Maybe more than he's ever sported before. It was not, by any measure, a full-on beard, but we'll give the guy points for effort.

It's hard to say how things will shake out here but it looks like Styles has the ability to rock a decent mustache and goatee combo (a.k.a. a Van Dyke) if he wanted to. That, or keep the stubble groomed ultra-short so the patches aren't quite so visible. Or, maybe he'll just let the thing take its course. Let's not forget about the fact that Styles grew out his mop-top for the better part of six years. When the man puts his mind to not doing something, he really doesn't do it.

For those who are voting for a return to the clean-shaven look, there's hope. Styles has a tour to finish and may or may not make an appearance at the Oscars in a few weeks, as Dunkirk was nominated for eight awards including Best Picture, so that might be motivation enough for him to shave. We'll just have to wait and see. Until then, Styles, may we suggest a hot oil treatment and some meditation?